Systems and methods for performing an electrocardiogram

ABSTRACT

A system and method for performing an electrocardiogram is described herein. The system may include one or more of an electrode strip, a data recorder, a connector, one or more computing platforms, and/or other components. The electrode strip may include multiple electrodes configured to provide signals conveying information associated with electrocardiograms. The multiple electrodes may be integrated into the electrode strip. The data recorder may be configured to receive and record information associated with electrocardiograms. Information associated with electrocardiograms may be communicated from the electrode strip to the data recorder via a connector. The connector may include a cableless connector. In some implementations, the information associated with electrocardiograms may be transmitted to one or more computing platforms.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of application Ser. No.15/098,180, filed Apr. 13, 2016 and entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FORPERFORMING AN ELECTROCARDIOGRAM”, which claims the priority benefit ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/148,344 filed Apr. 16, 2015and entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PERFORMING AN ELECTROCARDIOGRAM,”the entire contents of the foregoing applications are incorporatedherein by reference, including all text and drawings.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates to systems and methods for performing anelectrocardiogram.

BACKGROUND

Typically, electrocardiograms (ECGs) are performed in a clinical settingby trained clinicians, such as registered nurses, doctors, nurses'assistants, or ECG technicians. To perform an ECG, the clinician mayplace electrodes in specific anatomical locations on the subject. For astandard 12-lead electrocardiogram, there may be ten or more electrodesthat must be placed. Once the electrodes are placed, the clinician mayconnect each electrode with its corresponding cable. As such,electrocardiograms are often subject to human error due to misplacedelectrodes and/or mismatched cables.

In addition, electrocardiograph machines are typically large, complex,with many cables, keys and buttons, and thus expensive. Thus, theiravailability is limited to labs, large and/or well-funded clinicalpractices, and hospitals.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the disclosure is related to a system configured forperforming an electrocardiogram (ECG). Exemplary implementations mayenable people with minimal or no training to be able to perform anaccurate ECG test. An ECG test, for example may include a 12-lead ECG.One or more implementations of the system may eliminate or greatlyreduce many possibilities for human errors, such as incorrect electrodeplacement, and/or mismatched electrode/cable connections.Implementations of the system may also make an ECG test morestandardized for the same human subject, thus making comparing ECGchanges over time more precise. The system may include integratedpre-positioned electrodes on an electrode strip, a connector, a datarecorder, a connector, peripheral electrodes, a computing platform,and/or other components. The data recorder may include, in exemplaryimplementations, a compact recorder. The compact recorder, for example,may include a 12-lead ECG recorder. The system described herein maybring simplified, low cost ECGs (e.g., 12-lead ECGs) to smaller and/ornon-lab healthcare offices (e.g., pediatrics offices), and may enablesubjects to perform ECGs at home. The electrode strip with prepositionedelectrodes and a simple snap-in connector may allow optimal ECG testingfor adults, children, and/or babies because of the easy and fastelectrode placement. In exemplary implementations, the compact recorderprovides better performance while reducing cost and size. Thus, thesystem may provide an affordable ECG testing machine for all cliniciansand/or subjects, and may increase the availability and convenience ofECG testing. For example, due to the simplified electrode strip, onesnap-in connector, and compact data recorder design, the system may makeperforming a 12-lead test possible and much easier on special, lesscooperative populations (e.g., such as infants and children, patientswith psychiatric conditions, and animals).

The electrode strip may include multiple electrodes. The multipleelectrodes may be integrated into the electrode strip. In someimplementations, for a 12-lead ECG, the electrode strip may include alland/or a portion of the 10 electrodes typically used. Electrode stripshaving different numbers of electrodes are contemplated and are withinthe scope of the disclosure. By way of non-limiting example, sevenelectrodes may be integrated into the electrode strip. In someimplementations, corresponding electrode wires may be integrated intothe electrode strip. The individual ones of the multiple electrodes maybe configured to provide signals conveying information associated withelectrocardiograms. The electrodes may be positioned on the electrodestrip to align with one or more desired anatomical locations on a humansubject.

In some implementations, the electrode strip may include a printedcircuit board. The electrodes may be integrated into the printed circuitboard. The corresponding wires may include traces within the printedcircuit board. In some implementations, the printed circuit board may beflexible.

In some implementations, the electrode strip may include one or morelayers of foam. A layer of foam may be hypoallergenic. The layers offoam may include a first layer of foam, a second layer of foam, and/orother layers of foam. The printed circuit board may be disposed inbetween the first layer of foam and the second layer of foam. In someimplementations, the first layer of foam may be configured to facetoward the skin of the human subject responsive to the electrode stripbeing applied to the skin of the human subject. The first layer of foammay include one or more cutouts corresponding to one or more positionsof one or more electrodes on the electrode strip. In someimplementations, a hydrogel (e.g., a standard Ag/AgCl hydrogel) and/orother conducting material may be disposed within the one or morecutouts.

In some implementations, the system may include one or more peripheralelectrodes. The peripheral electrodes may be coupled with the electrodestrip via one or more peripheral electrode wires. The one or moreperipheral electrodes may be extendable from the electrode strip via theone or more peripheral electrode wires. In some implementationsindividual peripheral electrode wires may be retractable. In someimplementations for a 12-lead ECG, one or more of the ten electrodesrequired may include peripheral electrodes. By way of non-limitingexample, the ten electrodes for a standard clinical 12-lead ECG mayinclude three peripheral electrodes (e.g., RA, LA, LL, and/or otherperipheral electrodes), and seven of the ten electrodes may beintegrated into the electrode strip. In some implementations, the one ormore peripheral electrode wires may include a first section, a secondsection, and/or other sections. The first section may be external to theelectrode strip. The second section may be integrated into the electrodestrip.

In some implementations, the electrode strip may include one or moreplacement indicators. The one or more placement indicators may convey aposition at which to apply the electrode strip on the human subject. Insome implementations, the placement indicators may include a firstplacement indicator on a first portion of the electrode strip. The firstplacement indicator may convey alignment of the first portion of theelectrode strip with a breastbone (i.e., sternum) of the human subject.The second placement indicator may convey alignment of the electrodestrip at the level of the nipples (which is typically at the fourthintercostal space) of the human subject.

The system may include a data recorder. The data recorder may beconfigured to receive and record information associated withelectrocardiograms. The information associated with electrocardiogramsmay include the signals provided by the multiple electrodes. In someimplementations, the data recorder may include a receiving portion. Thereceiving portion may be configured to receive a connector to facilitatecoupling of the electrode strip with the data recorder. Responsive tothe receiving portion of the data recorder receiving a connectorintegrated with the electrode strip, the data recorder may be removablycoupled with the electrode strip.

In some implementations, the data recorder may include a power button,one or more indicator lights, and/or other components. The one or moreindicator lights may be configured to provide a status of theelectrocardiogram and/or the data recorder. In some implementations, thedata recorder may be configured to transmit the electrocardiogram datato one or more computing platforms (e.g., via a wireless transmission, aUSB port, a micro-USB port, a cord, and/or other transmission methods).

The system may include a connector. The connector may be disposed at theelectrode strip. The connector may be integrated with the electrodestrip. The connector may be configured to removably couple the datarecorder with the electrode strip via a cableless connection. As such,in some implementations, there may not be a cable between the datarecorder and the electrode strip. The connector may include aconvergence of the electrode wires. In some implementations, theconnector may include the convergence of one or more second sections ofthe one or more peripheral electrode wires. Responsive to the connectorbeing removably coupled with the data recorder, the data recorder mayreceive signals from the electrodes via the connector.

Without requiring a cable in between the data recorder and the electrodestrip, the data recorder may be disposed proximate to the electrodestrip when the system is in use. In some implementations, the cablelessconnection provided by the connector may eliminate uncomfortable cablesthat may become entangled, minimize artifacts caused by movements of thesubject or the cables, eliminate the possibility of mismatched cableconnections, save time in matching the cables with individualelectrodes, and/or provide other advantages. In some implementations,the data recorder may be a compact data recorder. For example, the datarecorder may have a dimension including one or more of a length of lessthan six centimeters (cm), a width of less than six centimeters, and/ora thickness of less than two centimeters. As such, the system mayprovide a portable ECG system including a compact recorder that may becoupled directly to the electrode strip via the connector.

In some implementations, the electrode strip may include a stiffeningboard. The stiffening board may be disposed proximate to the connector.The stiffening board may facilitate a rigid attachment between theconnector and the electrode strip.

These and other features, and characteristics of the present technology,as well as the methods of operation and functions of the relatedelements of structure, and the combination of parts and economies ofmanufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of thefollowing description and the appended claims with reference to theaccompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification,wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in thevarious figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that thedrawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only andare not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. As usedin the specification and in the claims, the singular form of “a”, “an”,and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a system for performing an electrocardiogram, inaccordance with one or more implementations.

FIG. 2 illustrates a system for performing an electrocardiogram, inaccordance with one or more implementations.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of an electrode strip, in accordancewith one or more implementations.

FIG. 4 illustrates a printed circuit board of an electrode strip, inaccordance with one or more implementations.

FIG. 5 illustrates a recorder, in accordance with one or moreimplementations.

FIG. 6 illustrates a method for performing an electrocardiogram, inaccordance with one or more implementations.

FIG. 7 illustrates a method for performing an electrocardiogram, inaccordance with one or more implementations.

FIG. 8 illustrates a method for performing an electrocardiogram, inaccordance with one or more implementations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 configured for performing anelectrocardiogram, in accordance with one or more implementations.System 100 may include one or more of an electrode strip 102, a datarecorder 104, computing platform(s) 106, and/or other components.Electrode strip 102 may include multiple electrodes configured toprovide signals conveying information associated withelectrocardiograms. Data recorder 104 may be configured to receive andrecord information associated with electrocardiograms. Informationassociated with electrocardiograms may be communicated from electrodestrip 102 to data recorder 104 via a connector. The connector mayinclude a cableless connector. A cableless connector, for example, mayinclude a connector that is configured to connect data recorder 104 withelectrode strip 102 without a length of cable between data recorder 104and electrode strip 102.

In some implementations, the information associated withelectrocardiograms may be transmitted to one or more computingplatform(s) 106. The one or more computing platform(s) 106 may beconfigured to receive, process, display, analyze, store, print, wired orwireless transmit, and/or otherwise utilize the information associatedwith a given electrocardiogram. In some implementations, computingplatform(s) 106 may include one or more of a desktop computer, a laptopcomputer, a handheld computer, a tablet (e.g., an iPad®), a mobiledevice (e.g., a smartphone), a printer, an ECG system, and/or othercomputing platforms. In some implementations, the transmission ofinformation associated with electrocardiograms may made wirelessly, viaa cord, optical signaling, by a portable storage medium (e.g., a USBdrive), and/or via other methods. For example, in some implementations,the wireless transmission may include one or more connection protocolssuch as, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), radio frequency, WIFI,NFC, WLAN, ZigBee, and/or other connection protocols.

In some implementations, one or more components of system 100 may beoperatively linked via one or more electronic communication links. Forexample, such electronic communication links may be established, atleast in part, via Bluetooth and/or other networks/protocols. It will beappreciated that this is not intended to be limiting, and that the scopeof this disclosure includes implementations in which one or morecomponents of system 100 may be operatively linked via some othercommunication media.

In some implementations, electrode strip 102 may be designed forone-time use. The electrode strip 102 may be disposable. The recordedinformation associated with electrocardiograms may be transmitted (e.g.,by wire or wirelessly) and/or transferred (e.g., carried, mailed, and/orotherwise physically moved) by the user to an ECG center for variouspurposes including one or more of interpretation, transmission toanother location, printing, storage, archiving, and/or other purposes.Once the recorded information associated with a given electrocardiogramis delivered to an ECG center, the data recorder may be sterilized, itsbattery recharged, and/or packaged with a new electrode strip to beready for another use.

In some implementations, system 100 is configured to be reused formultiple subjects in a clinical setting. The recorded informationassociated with electrocardiograms may be continuously and/ornon-continuously (e.g., via a single post-test transmission) transmittedto a computing platform (e.g., computer, printer, etc.) that may belocated within the office. The data recorder may be sanitized at theclinical office for reuse on the next human subject.

While the systems and/or methods described herein refer to exampleimplementations for a human subject, the disclosure is not intended tobe limited to human subjects. In some implementations, the systems andmethods described herein may be applied to and/or configured for anyliving subject. By way of a non-limiting example, the systems andmethods herein may be applied to and/or configured for animal subjects.

FIG. 2 illustrates a system 200 configured for performing anelectrocardiogram, in accordance with one or more implementations.System 200 may include one or more components that are the same as orsimilar to one or more components of system 100. System 200 may includeone or more of an electrode strip 202, a data recorder 204, a connector206, peripheral electrodes 208, peripheral electrode wires 210,placement indicators 214, indicator lights 224, a power button 222, areceiving portion 220, and/or other components. In some implementations,one or more additional components may be included in the system and/orone or more components may be omitted from the system.

Electrode strip 202 may be the same as or similar to electrode strip102, in some implementations. Electrode strip 202 may include multipleelectrodes. Various quantities of electrodes may be used based on thetype of ECG performed. The multiple electrodes may be disposed atelectrode strip 202. Individual ones of the multiple electrodes may beintegrated into electrode strip 202. In some implementations, integratedinto electrode strip 202 may include, for example, included in a printedcircuit board. The electrode strip 202 may include the printed circuitboard.

Electrode strip 202 may include all and/or a portion of the electrodesused for a given ECG. For example, for a 12-lead ECG, seven of the tenelectrodes typically used may be integrated into electrode strip 202.Continuing the non-limiting example, the seven electrodes may includesix precordial electrodes and a ground electrode. In someimplementations, corresponding electrode wires may be integrated intoelectrode strip 202. The individual ones of the multiple electrodes maybe configured to provide signals conveying information associated withelectrocardiograms. The electrodes may be positioned on electrode strip202 to align with one or more desired anatomical locations on a humansubject. As such, responsive to a user applying electrode strip 202 to ahuman subject, a majority of the electrodes may be located in the properposition for performing an ECG.

In some implementations, electrode strip 202 may include one or moreplacement indicators 214. One or more placement indicators 214 mayconvey a position at which to apply electrode strip 202 on the humansubject. Placement indicators 214 may ensure that the electrodes alignwith one or more desired anatomical locations on the human subject. Byway of non-limiting example, placement indicators 214 may include text,colors, symbols, and/or other content to describe a position at which toapply electrode strip 202.

For example, placement indictors 214 may describe where one or moreportions of electrode strip 202 should be aligned; how one or moreportions and/or electrode strip 202 should face; a distance from adesired location on a human subject one or more portions and/orelectrode strip 202 should be; a level, location and alignment ofelectrode strip 202 in relation to commonly recognized anatomicallandmarks; and/or other information. In some implementations, placementindicators 214 may include a first placement indicator 214A on a firstportion of electrode strip 202. The first placement indicator 214A mayconvey alignment of the first portion of electrode strip 202 with thebreastbone of the human subject. In some implementations, placementindicators 214 may include a second placement indicator 214B on a secondportion of electrode strip 202. The second placement indicator 214B mayconvey (e.g., via an arrow) that the second portion should point to theleft nipple of the human subject.

In some implementations, some of the electrodes typically used for anECG may not be integrated into electrode strip 202. For example, system200 may include one or more peripheral electrodes 208. Peripheralelectrodes 208 may be coupled to electrode strip 202 via peripheralelectrode wires 210. One or more peripheral electrodes 208 may beextendable from electrode strip 202 via one or more peripheral electrodewires 210. As such, for example, peripheral electrodes 208 may expandthe coverage area of electrode strip 202.

In some implementations, a few of the total number of electrodesrequired for an ECG may include peripheral electrodes. By way ofnon-limiting example, for a 12-lead ECG, three of the ten electrodes mayinclude peripheral electrodes 208. As such, for example, to perform a12-lead ECG via system 200, both electrode strip 202 and peripheralelectrodes 208 are applied to the subject.

In some implementations, one or more peripheral electrode wires 210 mayinclude a first section, a second section, and/or other sections. Thefirst section may be external to electrode strip 202 (e.g., the firstsections of peripheral electrode wires 210 are the only section(s) ofperipheral electrode wires 210 visible in the view presented by FIG. 2). The second section may be integrated into electrode strip 202 (e.g.,not visible in the view presented by FIG. 2 ). In some implementations,electrode strip 202 may include a printed circuit board. As such, theelectrodes may be integrated into the printed circuit board. Thecorresponding electrode wires may include traces within the printedcircuit board. In some implementations, the printed circuit board may beflexible.

In some implementations, electrode strip 102 may at least partiallyinclude an adjustable material. The adjustable material may include, forexample, a stretchable material, a material including one or moreadjustment mechanisms (e.g., a slide, clip, hook and loop mechanism,snaps, and/or other adjustment mechanisms), and/or other adjustablematerials. As such, for example, electrode strip 102 may fit humansubjects of various sizes. For example, an adjustable and/or stretchableelectrode strip may fit various human subjects having chests ofdifferent sizes.

In some implementations, electrode strip 202 may include one or morelayers of foam. The foam may include a soft, stretchable,hypoallergenic, and/or otherwise biocompatible foam. The layers of foammay include a first layer of foam, a second layer of foam, and/or otherlayers of foam. The layers of foam may include the same and/or differenttypes of foam. In some implementations, the printed circuit board may bedisposed in between the first layer of foam and the second layer offoam. In some implementations, the first layer of foam may be configuredto face toward the skin of the human subject responsive to electrodestrip 202 being applied to the skin of the human subject. The firstlayer of foam may include one or more cutouts corresponding to one ormore positions of one or more electrodes on electrode strip 202. In someimplementations, a hydrogel material may be disposed within the one ormore cutouts.

System 200 may include data recorder 204. Data recorder 204 may be thesame as or similar to recorder 104, in some implementations. The datarecorder may be configured to receive and record information associatedwith electrocardiograms. In some implementations, data recorder 204 maybe configured to transmit the information associated withelectrocardiograms to one or more computing platforms. The informationassociated with electrocardiograms may include the signals provided bythe multiple electrodes. Data recorder 204 may include one or more of aprocessor component, integrated ECG analog frontend, a memory component,a communications interface (e.g., a wired and/or a wireless transmissioncomponent), a battery, and/or other components. Data recorder 204 may bebattery powered and/or chargeable (e.g., via a USB/micro USB, or byinductive charging).

In some implementations, data recorder 204 may only be configured toreceive, record, and/or transmit information associated withelectrocardiograms. Data recorder 204 may be configured to have enoughmemory to record information associated with an electrocardiogram at anygiven time. In some implementations, for example, the narrow functionsof data recorder 204 may allow for data recorder 204 to have a compactsize, simple operation, and prolonged battery life.

In some implementations, data recorder 204 may be configured by one ormore computing platform(s) (e.g., the same as or similar to computingplatform(s) 106). In some implementations, patient identifyinginformation may be entered and/or kept by the computing platforms. Insome implementations, data recorder 204 may be paired with a computingplatform (e.g., and IPad®) including an application. An administratoraccount of the application may enable a user to configure the datarecorder (e.g., such as system information, date and time, datarecording rate, wireless transmission, and/or othersettings/configurations). By way of a non-limiting use example, the usermay be able to use a camera of the computing platform to scan thepatient's bar code and/or QR code for identification. By way of anothernon-limiting use example, the user may be able to type informationdirectly into the computing platform. In some implementations, theapplication may display the ECG tracing, and/or may be able to record,analyze and/or store data (e.g., the information associated with anelectrocardiogram). The user may, for example, be able to transmit thedata to a server (e.g., an ECG center), print, or upload to anelectronic medical record (e.g., a patient's chart).

In some implementations, data recorder 204 may include a compact datarecorder. Data recorder 204 may include a dimension (e.g., length,width, height, diameter, and/or other dimensions) of less than 30centimeters. In some implementations, data recorder 204 may have one ormore dimensions including a length between 1 centimeter and 40centimeters, a width between 1 centimeter and 40 centimeters, and/or athickness (e.g., height) between 2 millimeters and 10 centimeters. Forexample, a data recorder 204 may have dimensions including a length ofless than six centimeters, a width of less than six centimeters, and athickness of less than two centimeters. By way of non-limiting useexample, data recorder 204 may have a dimension of one or more of aboutfive centimeters in length, about five centimeters in width, and/orabout one centimeter in thickness. By way of another non-limiting useexample, data recorder 204 may have a dimension of one or more of aboutseven centimeters in length, about five centimeters in width, and/orabout 1.5 centimeters in thickness. By way of another non-limiting useexample, data recorder 204 may have a dimension of one or more of about10 centimeters in length, about 10 centimeters in width, and/or abouttwo centimeters in thickness.

In some implementations, data recorder 204 may have a weight between aquarter of half ounce and 10 ounces. In a non-limiting use example, datarecorder 204 may include a weight of about 1 ounce. In someimplementations, data recorder 204 may include various shapes and/orsizes that have a footprint smaller than or equal to the exampledimensions provided herein. In some implementations, data recorder 204may include a data recorder with additional functions beyond receiving,recording, and/or transmitting information associated withelectrocardiograms.

In some implementations, data recorder 204 may include receiving portion220. Receiving portion 220 may be configured to receive a connector 206.Receiving portion 220 may be configured to receive a connector 206 tofacilitate coupling of electrode strip 202 with data recorder 204.Responsive to receiving portion 220 receiving connector 206, whereinconnector 206 is integrated with electrode strip 202, data recorder 204may be removably coupled with electrode strip 202. Removably coupled mayinclude coupled with in such a way that de-coupling and/or re-couplingmay occur one or more times.

In some implementations, data recorder 204 may include power button 222,one or more indicator lights 224, and/or other components. The one ormore indicator lights may be configured to provide a status of a givenelectrocardiogram and/or data recorder 204. The status of a givenelectrocardiogram may include one or more of an ECG status (e.g.,whether an ECG is currently being conducted), a completion status, atime status, and/or other statuses. The status of data recorder 204 mayinclude one or more of a power status (e.g., whether the data recorderis on), a battery status, a recording/receiving status (e.g., whetherthe data recorder is recording and/or receiving information), a pairingstatus (e.g., whether the electrodes are coupled to the data recorder),an electrode status (e.g., whether signals are being received from oneor more electrodes), and/or other statuses. In some implementations,recorder 204 may be configured to transmit the electrocardiogram data toone or more computing platforms (e.g., via a wireless transmission, aUSB port, a cord, and/or other transmission methods).

In some implementations, data recorder 204 may include a display. Thedisplay may include a small screen (e.g., LED, LCD, and/or other typesof screens) to display one or more statuses. The one or more statuses tobe displayed may include one or more of the status of data recorder 204,and/or the status of an electrocardiogram. By way of non-limiting useexample, a status related to one or more of power, Bluetooth pairing,electrode attachment to skin (leads off detection), data recording,and/or other functions/features may be displayed.

System 200 may include connector 206. Connector 206 may be disposed atelectrode strip 202. Connector 206 may be integrated with electrodestrip 202. Connector 206 may be configured to removably couple datarecorder 204 with electrode strip 202 via a cableless connection. Acableless connection may include a connection that does not require acable disposed between electrode strip 202 and data recorder 204. Forexample, connector 206 may include a male connector portion that isconfigured to couple with a female connector portion disposed at datarecorder 204. As such, in some implementations, there may not be a cableand/or a set of cables between data recorder 204 and electrode strip202.

Connector 206 may include a convergence of the electrode wires. Aconvergence may describe a location at which multiple electrode wiresapproach each other and/or a connection region. For example, aconvergence may include a gathering of at least portions of one or moreelectrode wires to be included in a connector (e.g., connector 206).Connector 206 may include a convergence of both the electrode wirescorresponding with the integrated electrodes and/or the second sectionsof peripheral electrode wires 210, corresponding with peripheralelectrodes 208. The electrode wires may be located at specific positionswithin the convergence of the electrode wires. Thus, responsive toconnector 206 being removably coupled with a corresponding receivingportion (e.g., a female connector portion on data recorder 204), theelectrode wires may automatically be aligned to ensure the properelectrode wire matches with the corresponding port. As such, an operatormay only have to facilitate one connection by coupling connector 206 todata recorder 204. In some implementations, connector 206 may beconfigured such that it may only couple with (e.g., fit togetherseamlessly) data recorder 204 in one direction to ensure the properalignment of electrode wires. Responsive to connector 206 beingremovably coupled with data recorder 204, data recorder 204 may beconfigured to receive signals from the electrodes via connector 206.

In some implementations, electrode strip 202 may include a stiffeningboard. The stiffening board may be disposed proximate to connector 206.As such, the stiffening board may facilitate a rigid attachment betweenconnector 206 and electrode strip 202. By way of non-limiting example,the stiffening board may be at least partially disposed at theconvergence of the electrode wires.

In some implementations, wherein connector 206 includes a cablelessconfiguration, recorder 204 may be disposed proximate to electrode strip202 when connector 206 is coupled with data recorder 204. Thus, it maybe advantageous for data recorder 204 to have a compact configurationsuch that system 200 may provide a portable ECG system without cablesthat may be bulky, uncomfortable, and/or inconvenient.

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 illustrate a front view of an electrode strip and aprinted circuit board of an electrode strip respectively, in accordancewith one or more implementations. The electrode strip illustrated inFIG. 3 and FIG. 4 may include electrode strip 202. In someimplementations, as illustrated in FIG. 3 , connector 206 may include amale connector portion. The male connector portion may be configured tofit (e.g., removably couple with) seamlessly with a corresponding femaleconnector portion (e.g., not illustrated in FIG. 3 ). In someimplementations, connector 206 may include one or more of an HDMIconnector, a USB connector, a micro-USB connector, a mini-USB connector,a serial bus connector, a Lightening connector, a proprietary connector,and/or other types of connectors.

As illustrated by FIG. 4 , electrode strip 202 may include a printedcircuit board 201. Printed circuit board 201 may include one or moreintegrated electrodes 430. In some implementations, printed circuitboard 201 may include corresponding electrode wires 440. Correspondingelectrode wires 440 may include traces within printed circuit board 201.In some implementations, electrode strip 202 may include one or moreconnection points 460 for one or more peripheral electrodes 208.

In some implementations, electrode strip 202 may include one or moreperipheral wires 210. Printed circuit board 201 may include one or moresecond sections 470 of peripheral wires 210. Second sections 470 may beintegrated into printed circuit board 201. For example, second sections470 may be included in printed circuit board 201 as traces. In someimplementations, a given peripheral electrode wire 210 may be continuousbetween a given first section and a given second section. In someimplementations, there may be one or more electrical connections betweenthe given first section and the given second section of the givenperipheral electrode wire 210. As such, in some implementations, atleast a portion of peripheral electrode wires 210 may be able to beconnected to and/or disconnected from electrode strip 202.

In some implementations, connector 206 may include a convergence 452 ofone or more of: electrode wires 440; second sections 470; and/or otherelectrode wires. In some implementations, convergence 452 may beincluded in printed circuit board 201. For example, convergence 452 maybe included in printed circuit board 201 as a convergence of tracescorresponding to the electrode wires and/or second sections.

In some implementations, printed circuit board 201 may be flexible. Insome implementations, electrode strip 202 may include a stiffening board450. Stiffening board 450 may include a rigid material such as aplastic, a metal, a composite material, glass, and/or other rigidmaterials. Stiffening board 450 may be disposed proximate to connector206. Stiffening board 450 may be layered on top, below, and/or inbetween at least a portion of one or more of electrode strip 202,printed circuit board 201, connector 206, one or more layers of foam,and/or other components. As such, the stiffening board may facilitate arigid attachment between connector 206 and electrode strip 202. By wayof non-limiting example, the stiffening board may be at least partiallydisposed at the convergence of the electrode wires.

FIG. 5 illustrates a data recorder, in accordance with one or moreimplementations. The data recorder illustrated in FIG. 5 may includedata recorder 204. Data recorder 204 may include one or more of:indicator lights 224; power button 222; receiving portion 220; and/orother components. Power button 222 may be configured to activate datarecorder 204 in order to begin recording information associated with anelectrocardiogram. In some implementations, indicator lights 224 maycorrespond to specific status indications. Indicator light 224A may, forexample, correspond to a pairing status. Indicator light 224B maycorrespond to an electrode status. Indicator light 224C may, forexample, correspond to a recording status. Indicator light 224D may, forexample, correspond to a power status.

In some implementations, data recorder 204 may include receiving portion220 for receiving a connector. Receiving portion 220 may be configuredto receive connector 206 (see FIG. 2 , FIG. 3 , and FIG. 4 ). Receivingportion 220 may be configured to receive connector 206 to facilitate thecoupling of electrode strip 202 with data recorder 204. Responsive toreceiving portion 220 receiving connector 206, wherein connector 206 isintegrated with electrode strip 202, data recorder 204 may be removablycoupled with electrode strip 202.

FIG. 6 illustrates a method 600 for performing an electrocardiogram, inaccordance with one or more implementations. The method depicted in FIG.6 is described in greater detail herein. The described operations may beaccomplished using some or all of the system components described indetail herein and, in some implementations, various operations may beperformed in different sequences and various operations may be omitted.Additional operations may be performed along with some or all of theoperations shown in the depicted method steps. One or more steps may beperformed simultaneously. Accordingly, the operations as illustrated(and described in greater detail below) are exemplary by nature and, assuch, should not be viewed as limiting. The method may be performed by auser including one or more of a caregiver, a relative, a friend, amedical practitioner, a subject him/herself, and/or other users.

In some implementations, at operation 602, a user may clean the skin ofa human subject to ensure the skin is clean and dry. At operation 604, auser may remove a plastic cover on an electrode strip to expose one ormore sticky patches (e.g., hydrogel material and/or other stickymaterial) on the electrode strip. The electrode strip may be applied tothe chest of the human subject. In some implementations, a firstplacement indicator may convey alignment of a first portion (e.g., ablue portion) of the electrode strip with the breastbone of the humansubject. A second placement indicator may convey a second portion (e.g.,including an arrow) that should point to the left nipple of the humansubject. The electrode strip in operation 604 may be the same as orsimilar to electrode strip 202. The first placement indicator inoperation 604 may be the same as or similar to first placement indicator214A. The second placement indicator in operation 604 may be the same asor similar to second placement indicator 214B.

At operation 606, one or more peripheral electrodes may be pulled toextend the peripheral electrodes away from the electrode strip. A firstperipheral electrode (e.g., including a white placement indicator), maybe applied to the right shoulder of the human subject. A secondperipheral electrode (e.g., including a red placement indicator), may beapplied to the left shoulder of the human subject. A third peripheralelectrode (e.g., including a blue placement indicator), may be appliedto the left lower belly of the human subject. The one or more peripheralelectrodes included in operation 606 may be the same as or similar toperipheral electrodes 208.

At operation 608, a data recorder may be connected to the electrodestrip via a connector. The data recorder included in operation 608 maybe the same as or similar to data recorder 204. The connector includedin operation 608 may be the same as or similar to connector 206. Atoperation 610, a user may activate the data recorder by pushing a powerbutton on the data recorder. Responsive to activating the data recorder,a power status indicator light may light up (e.g., as a red light). Thepower button included in operation 610 may be the same as or similar topower button 222. The power status indicator light included in operation610 may be the same as or similar to indicator light 224D.

At operation 612, three indicator lights on the data recorder may lightup (e.g., as green lights) to indicate the data recorder is receivingand recording information associated with the electrocardiogram. Afteran amount of time (e.g., 10 minutes) the indicator lights may changecolor (e.g., to amber) to indicate the data recorder has stoppedreceiving and recording information associated with theelectrocardiogram. The three indicator lights included in operation 612may be the same as or similar to indicator lights 224.

FIG. 7 illustrates a method 700 for performing an electrocardiogram, inaccordance with one or more implementations. The method depicted in FIG.7 is described in greater detail herein. The described operations may beaccomplished using some or all of the system components described indetail herein and, in some implementations, various operations may beperformed in different sequences and various operations may be omitted.Additional operations may be performed along with some or all of theoperations shown in the method steps. One or more steps may be performedsimultaneously. Accordingly, the operations as illustrated (anddescribed in greater detail below) are exemplary by nature and, as such,should not be viewed as limiting. The method may be performed by a userincluding one or more of a caregiver, a relative, a friend, a medicalpractitioner, and/or other users.

At operation 702, an electrode strip may be applied to an area of skinon a human subject. The electrode strip may include multiple electrodesand corresponding electrode wires integrated into the electrode strip.Individual ones of the multiple electrodes may be configured to providesignals conveying information associated with electrocardiograms. Theelectrodes may be positioned on the electrode strip to align with one ormore desired anatomical locations on a human subject. The electrodestrip in operation 702 may be the same as or similar to electrode strip202.

At operation 704, a connector may be coupled with a data recorder. Theconnector may be disposed at and integrated with the electrode strip.The connector may be coupled with the data recorder via a cablelessconnection. The data recorder may be configured to receive and recordinformation associated with electrocardiograms. The connector mayinclude a convergence of the electrode wires. As such, responsive to theconnector being coupled with the data recorder, the data recorder mayreceive signals from the electrodes via the connector. The connector inoperation 704 may be the same as or similar to connector 206. The datarecorder in operation 704 may be the same as or similar to data recorder204.

At operation 706, the data recorder may be activated. Once activated,the data recorder may begin receiving and recording informationassociated with an electrocardiogram. The data recorder in operation 706may be the same as or similar to data recorder 204.

FIG. 8 illustrates a method 800 for performing an electrocardiogram, inaccordance with one or more implementations. The method depicted in FIG.8 is described in greater detail herein. The described operations may beaccomplished using some or all of the system components described indetail herein and, in some implementations, various operations may beperformed in different sequences and various operations may be omitted.Additional operations may be performed along with some or all of theoperations shown in the method steps. One or more steps may be performedsimultaneously. Accordingly, the operations as illustrated (anddescribed in greater detail below) are exemplary by nature and, as such,should not be viewed as limiting. The method may be performed by a userincluding one or more of a caregiver, a relative, a friend, a medicalpractitioner, and/or other users.

At operation 802 a proper size of an electrode strip may be determined.The electrode strip may include multiple electrodes and correspondingelectrode wires integrated into the electrode strip. The individual onesof the multiple electrodes may be configured to provide signalsconveying information associated with electrocardiograms. The electrodesmay be positioned on the electrode strip such that responsive todetermining the proper size for a human subject, the electrodes alignwith one or more desired anatomical locations on the human subject.

The proper size of the electrode strip may be determined based on analgorithm and/or a corresponding physical characteristic of the humansubject. In some implementations, the algorithm may include one or morephysical characteristics describing the human subject. The physicalcharacteristics describing the human subject may include one or more ofa shirt size typically worn by the human subject, a body-mass index ofthe human subject, a chest circumference of the human subject, ashoulder breadth of the human subject, a height of the human subject, aweight of the human subject, a sex of the human subject, an age of thehuman subject, and/or other characteristics describing the human subjectand/or the body size and shape of the human subject. By way ofnon-limiting example, the algorithm may include 0.3 times (e.g., 30%)the chest circumference of the human subject, wherein the chestcircumference is measured at the nipple line. The electrode strip inoperation 802 may be the same as or similar to electrode strip 202.

At operation 804, the electrode strip may be applied to the skin of thehuman subject. The electrode strip may be applied based on one or moreplacement indicators included on the electrode strip. The electrodestrip in operation 804 may be the same as or similar to electrode strip202.

At operation 806, a connector may be coupled with a data recorder. Theconnector may be disposed at and integrated with the electrode strip.The connector may be coupled with the data recorder via a cablelessconnection. The data recorder may be configured to receive and recordinformation associated with electrocardiograms. The connector mayinclude a convergence of the electrode wires. As such, responsive to theconnector being coupled with the data recorder, the data recorder mayreceive signals from the electrodes via the connector. The connector inoperation 804 may be the same as or similar to connector 206. The datarecorder in operation 804 may be the same as or similar to data recorder204.

Although the present technology has been described in detail for thepurpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be themost practical and preferred implementations, it is to be understoodthat such detail is solely for that purpose and that the technology isnot limited to the disclosed implementations, but, on the contrary, isintended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that arewithin the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it isto be understood that the present technology contemplates that, to theextent possible, one or more features of any implementation can becombined with one or more features of any other implementation.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for performing an electrocardiogram, thesystem comprising: an electrode strip comprising: a flexible printedcircuit board including multiple integrated electrodes and correspondingelectrode wires integrated into the electrode strip, the integratedelectrodes being positioned on the electrode strip to align with one ormore desired anatomical locations on a human subject; and threeperipheral electrodes, RA (right arm), LA (left arm), and LL (left leg),which are electrically connected to the electrode strip via peripheralelectrode wires, the peripheral electrode wires allowing each of thethree individual peripheral electrodes to be pulled to a respectiveappropriate position for the electrocardiogram, wherein the RAperipheral electrode is configured to be pulled and placed proximate toa right arm of the human subject distal to a right shoulder joint; theLA peripheral electrode is configured to be pulled and placed proximateto a left arm of the human subject distal to a left shoulder joint; andthe peripheral LL electrode is configured to be pulled and placed on aleft side of the human subject distal to a left hip joint; a datarecorder configured to receive, record, and transmit, informationassociated with electrocardiograms, wherein the data recorder includes ahousing, a processor, an integrated ECG analog frontend, a memory, acommunications interface, a battery, a power button, and indicatorlights, wherein the housing includes the processor, the integrated ECGanalog frontend, the memory, the communications interface, the battery,the power button, and the indicator lights, and has a length of lessthan 8 centimeters, a width of less than 8 centimeters, a thickness ofless than 2 centimeters, and a weight of 1-10 ounces; and a connectordisposed at and integrated with the electrode strip, the connector beingconfigured to removably couple the data recorder with the electrodestrip via a cableless connection.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein theelectrode strip includes the flexible printed circuit board such thatthe integrated electrodes are integrated into the flexible printedcircuit board and the corresponding wires include traces within theflexible printed circuit board.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein theelectrode strip includes an adjustable material such that it isconfigured to fit human subjects of varying size.
 4. The system of claim2, wherein the electrode strip includes layers of foam, the layers offoam including a first layer of foam and a second layer of foam suchthat the flexible printed circuit board is located in between the firstlayer of foam and the second layer of foam.
 5. The system of claim 4,wherein the first layer of foam is configured to face toward the skin ofthe human subject responsive to the electrode strip being applied to theskin of the human subject, and wherein the first layer of foam includesone or more cutouts corresponding to one or more positions of one ormore electrodes on the electrode strip.
 6. The system of claim 1,wherein the peripheral electrode wires each include a first section anda second section, the first section being external to the electrodestrip and the second section being integrated into the electrode stripsuch that the connector includes a convergence of one or more secondsections of the one or more peripheral electrode wires.
 7. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the data recorder has a length of less than 6centimeters, and a width of less than 6 centimeters.
 8. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the data recorder includes a display, the display beingconfigured to provide a status of one or both of the electrocardiogramor the data recorder.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the datarecorder is configured to transmit the electrocardiogram data to one ormore computing platforms.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the datarecorder is configured to wirelessly transmit the electrocardiogram datato one or more computing platforms.
 11. The system of claim 1, whereinthe peripheral electrode wires are adjustable and long enough to alloweach of the three individual peripheral electrodes to be pulled to arespective appropriate position for the electrocardiogram, thus meetingapplicable standard 12-lead ECG measurement requirements.
 12. The systemof claim 1, wherein the peripheral electrode wires are disposed at theelectrode strip before being pulled to a respective appropriate positionfor the electrocardiogram.
 13. A method for performing anelectrocardiogram, the method comprising: applying an electrode strip toan area of skin on a human subject, the electrode strip comprising: aflexible printed circuit board including multiple integrated electrodesand corresponding electrode wires integrated into the electrode strip,the integrated electrodes being positioned on the electrode strip toalign with one or more desired anatomical locations on a human subject;and three peripheral electrodes, RA (right arm), LA (left arm), and LL(left leg), which are electrically connected to the electrode strip viaperipheral electrode wires, the peripheral electrode wires allowing eachof the three individual peripheral electrodes to be pulled to arespective appropriate position for the electrocardiogram, wherein theRA peripheral electrode is configured to be pulled and placed proximateto a right arm of the human subject distal to a right shoulder joint;the LA peripheral electrode is configured to be pulled and placedproximate to a left arm of the human subject distal to a left shoulderjoint; and the peripheral LL electrode is configured to be pulled andplaced on a left side of the human subject distal to a left hip joint;and coupling a data recorder to the electrode strip, wherein: the datarecorder is configured to receive, record, and transmit, informationassociated with electrocardiograms, the data recorder includes ahousing, a processor, an integrated ECG analog frontend, a memory, acommunications interface, a battery, a power button, and indicatorlights, the housing includes the processor, the integrated ECG analogfrontend, the memory, the communications interface, the battery, thepower button, and the indicator lights, and has a length of less than 8centimeters, a width of less than 8 centimeters, a thickness of lessthan 2 centimeters, and a weight of 1-10 ounces; and the connector isdisposed at and integrated with the electrode strip, the connector beingconfigured to removably couple the data recorder with the electrodestrip via a cableless connection.
 14. The method of claim 13, whereinthe electrode strip includes the flexible printed circuit board suchthat the integrated electrodes are integrated into the flexible printedcircuit board and the corresponding wires include traces within theflexible printed circuit board.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein theelectrode strip includes an adjustable material such that it isconfigured to fit human subjects of varying size.
 16. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the electrode strip includes layers of foam, thelayers of foam including a first layer of foam and a second layer offoam such that the flexible printed circuit board is located in betweenthe first layer of foam and the second layer of foam.
 17. The method ofclaim 16, wherein the first layer of foam is configured to face towardthe skin of the human subject responsive to the electrode strip beingapplied to the skin of the human subject, and wherein the first layer offoam includes one or more cutouts corresponding to one or more positionsof one or more electrodes on the electrode strip.
 18. The method ofclaim 13, wherein the peripheral electrode wires each include a firstsection and a second section, the first section being external to theelectrode strip and the second section being integrated into theelectrode strip such that the connector includes a convergence of one ormore second sections of the one or more peripheral electrode wires. 19.The method of claim 13, wherein the data recorder has a length of lessthan 6 centimeters, and a width of less than 6 centimeters.
 20. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the data recorder includes a display, themethod further comprising providing a status of one or both of theelectrocardiogram or the data recorder with the display.
 21. The methodof claim 13, further comprising transmitting the electrocardiogram datato one or more computing platforms with the data recorder.
 22. Themethod of claim 21, wherein the data recorder is configured towirelessly transmit the electrocardiogram data to one or more computingplatforms.
 23. The method of claim 13, wherein the peripheral electrodewires are adjustable and long enough to allow each of the threeindividual peripheral electrodes to be pulled to a respectiveappropriate position for the electrocardiogram, thus meeting applicablestandard 12-lead ECG measurement requirements.
 24. The method of claim13, wherein the peripheral electrode wires are disposed at the electrodestrip before being pulled to a respective appropriate position for theelectrocardiogram.